CHAPTER XV 



GROWING SWEET PEAS IN Rows AND CLUMPS 



THERE is considerable diversity of opinion regarding 

 the question of sowing or planting Sweet Peas in rows 

 or clumps. Both systems have their adherents and there 

 is something to be said in favour of either or both. 

 Among several questions put to some of the more 

 notable growers of the Sweet Pea by the National 

 Sweet Pea Society, as published in its excellent Annual 

 for 1907, was the following: 'Which do you prefer, 

 row or clumps, for the production of exhibition flowers, 

 and why ? ' 



A very large proportion of those who expressed an 

 opinion on this matter were in favour of planting or 

 sowing in rows. From personal experience of both 

 methods, the writer unhesitatingly supports the view of 

 the majority. 



WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF ROWS ? 



They are many. The plants are manipulated so 

 much easier and controlled with less trouble. The 

 work of planting is done quicker and more satisfactorily, 

 and if there be but one line of plants in the rows and 

 this in the centre of each row, the lateral growths can 

 be taken to either side and thus ensure a more even 

 distribution of the growths. Although it has been 

 frequently argued that Sweet Peas planted in clumps 

 obtain more light and air, we must confess that it is 



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